Jacoby Ellsbury ranks near the top of this winter's free-agent list, and there's no ready replacement short of a trade. / Bob DeChiar, USA TODAY Sports

by Paul White, USA TODAY Sports

by Paul White, USA TODAY Sports

BOSTON -- Nobody enjoys the World Series less than general managers â?? win or lose.

Seldom is a team that goes deep into October set for the next season. And the Boston Red Sox are no exception.

Four regulars from the team that led the American League in runs are free agents and it's hardly a sure thing that any or all will return.

For a team that was reassembled on the fly in an off-season makeover, it's hardly daunting that chances are at least some from among center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, first baseman Mike Napoli, catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and shortstop Stephen Drew won't return.

"I think we're in a very healthy place," says manager John Farrell, who's as upbeat about re-establishing a winning culture this year as he is about the talent he puts on the field.

As second baseman Dustin Pedroia â?? hardly a concern with a contract that runs through 2021 â?? says of the tight-knit Red Sox clubhouse, "That's the business side. We'll worry about that stuff when it gets here, but it's been a blast."

The Red Sox are building a pipeline of prospects, some of whom already are figuring into the personnel decisions that will have to be made.

For instance, USA TODAY Sports Minor League Player of the Year Xander Bogaerts has emerged as a World Series starter just days after his 21st birthday. He's played third base during the postseason, but shortstop is his natural position, which moves the light-hitting Drew further down the pecking order of Red Sox needs.

But Napoli's situation plays into the mix.

If he were to leave â?? remember, he signed a one-year deal now worth $13 million after he met incentive clauses after an original three-year, $39 million contract was voided because of concern about the condition of his hips â?? infield dominoes could fall.

One option would be for Will Middlebrooks, the regular third baseman for much of this season, to move to first base, thus creating room for Bogaerts at third.

The significant issue will be Ellsbury.

He ranks near the top of this winter's free-agent list, and there's no ready replacement short of a trade.

Yes, the Red Sox are high on the prospects of outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., the sensation of last spring training. Bradley struggled once the season began but went back to Class AAA and had a solid season. At 23, he could easily fit into the 2014 outfield mix, but a championship-caliber team isn't likely to turn over a full-time role to an unproven player.

Ellsbury's first time on the open market will provide a significant boost from his current $9 million salary and agent Scott Boras obviously will be seeking a contract that would approach eight years for a 30-year-old. And Boras' penchant for taking negotiations for high-profile free agents deep into the offseason also adds to the decision-making process â?? mainly considering Plan B â?? for involved teams.

The most interesting decision for the Red Sox could be catcher.

Saltalamacchia has provided three solid seasons for Boston in the wake of long-time captain Jason Varitek, but the presence of Brian McCann on the free-agent market is an intriguing option for the Red Sox.

Not only has McCann's name emerged as a possibility for the rival New York Yankees, but bringing him to Boston could re-create the catching tandem with David Ross that was productive for Atlanta from 2009-12.

The intense McCann also would be a fit for the existing Red Sox clubhouse personality.

One thing Farrell is counting on is using a combination of the Red Sox success and that visible camaraderie as a selling point.

"If we have roster needs that emerge, what's happened here has probably been taken note of around the league," Farrell said. "In the eyes of some, Boston might present some specific challenges that might be intimidating for certain players. But I would hope what they're witnessing would certainly become a place of destination for a number of guys that might have a choice."